You Tell Me What's Next

This week’s episode marks nine years of the Sound Off Podcast, and it’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come—and where we’re going. From upgrading our sound and socials, bringing on sponsors, to adding video in a world that now scrolls for connection, our show has evolved alongside the media landscape.

In this episode, I dig into what’s broken in radio: a system that stretches talent like Stretch Armstrong—asking for more with less—and a stubborn over-reliance on music in an era where listeners can get any song, any time. What keeps people tuning in? Spoiler: it’s not the music—it’s the personalities. So why aren’t we hearing more from them?

We also talk about recent radio layoffs, a nostalgic Winnipeg radio reunion, and why spoken word content is more valuable than ever. Plus, I share the details on my new Studiobricks booth. Yes Matt Cundill voiceovers is still a thing; even though I don't talk about it a lot on the show.

The listener survey can be found here. Complete it and I'll share with you, my Top 10 Podcast Hacks for 2025.

---

I made mention of Alan Cross' blog post about the Winnipeg Radio Reunion that took place last week. I attended the event as well and have to say that it's a lot like being in a candy store of memories. However, Winnipeg was just a stop on my radio career that was about being program director. The only person I had a hand in hiring was Randy Renaud but that was at CHOM in 2002, and he worked on air at 92 CITI in the early 80's as Randy Nelson. It was a good opportunity to see people I had shared some time with over my radio career. It was also another chance to say thanks to those people who made my life easier by coming to work and doing a good job everyday. That includes people who competed against our station. Collectively, the better the medium of radio performs, the more ears there are on the dial. That's something I tried to get corporate radio people to understand in 2013. You can imagine how that went over.

The Original Stretch Armstrong seen here along with a modern day radio program director.

One thing that happened on my way out the door - one longtime personality came up to me and asked about the prospects of getting job with me. I think he thought I was still a local program director because I had to tell him I haven't worked in radio in over a decade and run a podcast network. Then he asked how to get back in the business and I said, "What business?"

To my point above - there really is not a viable business for personalities who specialize in radio to be on the radio. You need to be Stretch Armstrong.

---

If you are looking for another broadcast position, I would like to recommend a few episodes at the bottom the page. Also this advice from Christian Hall on what makes a great demo can be very helpful.

---